James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers general manag Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic previously reported that Harden planned to decline his $47.4 million.

The 76ers acquired Harden in a trade-deadline deal on Feb. 10 with the Brooklyn Nets that notably sent Ben Simmons the other way. Charania then reported on Friday that Harden planned to take a $15 million pay cut for 2022-23 en route to signing a two-year deal with a player option for 2023-24. Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported on June 29 that Harden planned to decline his $47.4 million 2022-23 player option and re-sign with the 76ers in free agency on a lesser deal to give the 76ers more financial flexibility to improve the team.

During a Summer League tilt between the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey offered the latest on ...

Rather than opt in to his $47 million player option for the ’22-23 season, the Beard would instead ink a new deal, saving Philly roughly $15 million in salary. The reported deal would contain a player option for the second year. With Morey’s comments, we can see the situation is still fluid.

During a Summer League tilt between the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey offered the latest on ...

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By shaving $15 million off the amount owed to him next season, Harden, 32, created financial flexibility for the Sixers this summer -- flexibility that the team ...

"I've been trying to get right through the course of a basketball season for two years straight," Harden said in May. "And it's like, that's not it. If he comes out and has a stellar season and shows that his skills aren't declining, he'll put himself in a position to secure another big payday next summer. I've got a full summer to be straight and do the things necessary to come back even better next year." Remember, he was dealing with the hamstring injury that he suffered as a member of the Brooklyn Nets throughout last offseason, so he admittedly didn't get as much of an opportunity to train at a high level as he would have liked and that may have impacted his performance. Without that burst as an offensive attacker that he displayed for a decade in Houston, Harden was forced to rely heavily on 3-pointers and free throws for his point production. Also, putting the team first, as Harden appears to have done here, helps combat any lingering "he's selfish" narratives. However, he didn't appear to be the same lethal scorer that he once was when he was a perennial MVP candidate as a member of the Houston Rockets. The team hedged against that by signing Harden to a 1+1 deal, which will offer an extended opportunity to see how he looks physically after an entire offseason of training. Harden was never necessarily an athletic high-flyer, but he looked occasionally sluggish during his first season with the Sixers, and at times he displayed a noticeable lack of burst. By shaving $15 million off the amount owed to him next season, Harden, 32, created financial flexibility for the Sixers this summer -- flexibility that the team used to bolster the roster with additions like P.J. Tucker and Danuel House. Such signings wouldn't have been possible without Harden leaving some bread on the table. Harden's comments sounded good at the time, but there were many who were skeptical that he would actually follow through with them. Harden answered the question diplomatically at the time, giving the following response: "I'll be here.

Sources: James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut for next season that allowed Philadelphia to elevate roster — with sole focus on a championship run in 2023 ...

Should fans expect MVP-level play from Harden? No, however, could Philly get a more efficient shooting version of the Harden that was on the court for the Sixers last season. This is certainly the best outcome that the Sixers’ front office and their fan base could hope for. Sources: James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut for next season that allowed Philadelphia to elevate roster — with sole focus on a championship run in 2023.

James Harden Will Reportedly Take $15 Million USD Pay Cut With New Philadelphia 76ers Contract: As the organization focuses on winning the 2023 NBA ...

Everyone around Harden has understood the focus on his workout regimen this offseason and a championship goal for 2022-23. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)July 8, 2022 Sources: James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut for next season that allowed Philadelphia to elevate roster — with sole focus on a championship run in 2023.

James Harden took a $15 million pay cut to sign a 1+1 contract with Philadelphia 76ers in hopes of securing the 2023 NBA championship with Joel Embiid.

Perhaps the comments from Joel Embiid lit a fire under his ass after the 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. If he has an outstanding season, he has a chance at securing bigger payday in the immediate future. Harden and general manager Daryl Morey have history during their time with the Houston Rockets. Moray has been adding several of Harden’s ex-teammates and locals joked that it’s now the Philly Rockets after the addition of PJ Tucker (with a 3-year contract) and Daniel House. Tucker provides the 76ers with a 3-and-D veteran and stopped, which they lacked last postseason. He signed a 1+1 deal with a player option in his second season. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets ad 76ers, Harden averaged 22 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game. Harden is slated to earn $32.7 million this season with his new contract, and $35.5 million if he opts in next season in 2023-24.

Harden to sign a two-year deal that has a player option in the second season.

The 76ers hope that Harden can stave that decline off a little while longer. Harden arrived in Philadelphia at the trade deadline last season in a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and draft picks. Considering his age (33 in August), many speculated that Harden no longer even warranted a significant contract.

James Harden will return to the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal worth an estimated $67 million, per Shams Charania.

“We’re excited to add his leadership, toughness, defensive versatility and championship pedigree to our roster.” I’ve got a full summer to be straight and do the things necessary to come back even better next year.” He has looked “slim and trim” in workouts, including taking the necessary steps to get his body right. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the third year is a player option. “Everyone around Harden has understood the focus on his workout regimen this offseason and a championship goal for 2022-23,” Charania wrote. James Harden is returning to the Philadelphia 76ers at an extremely team-friendly discount.

James Harden joined the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline last season. Since then, the former MVP has not been at his best.

If the 76ers are to succeed, Harden will have to be at his very best. James Harden is one of the most gifted players in the NBA, but has failed to win a championship so far. Going into the 2022-23 season, the 76ers have reasons to be happy. "They just can get a lot more guys in potentially with the money that Harden is leaving on the table right now. However, with three months left until the start of the 2022-23 season, Harden is looking in better shape than ever. James Harden joined the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline last season.